by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club

Six yachts contested the revived Keith Quinn Memorial Fun Race on Saturday in memory of one of the yacht clubs more irrepressible members who passed away a few years ago.

Billed as a fun race the day was open to the public for the chance to jump aboard for a taste of yacht racing in the tropics. The first challenge was a quiz to test the knowledge of the teams with the results adjusting the yachts handicaps based on their quiz score.

The yacht race followed with a reaching course along Four Mile beach with five buoy roundings on a linear course that kept all boats in close proximity.

Back at the club round two of the quiz again tested the crews with the results this time adding minutes to their elapsed times.

On the water the contest was tight with the inclusion of Miriama and Henry Cotter providing a long overdue return to club sailing. Tau Ceti, Indigo and Port FM Mais Oui were all in the mix enjoying the reaching course and with less than twelve minutes separating the fleet it was going to be close.

Line honours went to Doug Ryan on Magic closely followed by Ice and Tau Ceti.

The title of most knowledgeable crew was a tie between Magic and Indigo on 62.5% which aided both boats to stake a claim on the final podium positions. Magic claimed the title as the first boat to be named on the new Keith Quinn Trophy ahead of Indigo and Ice followed by Tau Ceti, Port FM Mais Oui and Miriama.

Everybody involved enjoyed a fabulous day on and off the water with all crews now in training for the Two Island Sail and Run coming up on July 30th.